How Abubakar started laundry business with N200
Abubakar Sodeek Arekemashe is a 27- year- old student. But unlike many students, he is already a chief executive of two businesses—one, a laundry firm known as Sky Limit, and the other, a fish farm called Areke Farm. Arekemashe spoke with SIKIRAT SHEHU, in this interview, on how he is managing the two businesses.
You ventured into laundry and fish farming businesses. Can you tell us how you started?
Actually, I started the business when I had nothing todo after my Ordinary National Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Maiduguri. Instead of staying idle, I decided to engage myself in doing something to keep body and soul together. When the idea came to mind, but they asked why I should engage in the dry cleaning work but I let them realise that it was nothing to me and I started on 24th February, 2017, with just N200.00.
Because I had iron already, laundry basket, regular water supply and electricity, it was easy for me. Out of the money, I bought soap and starch, then started with three pairs of clothes.
However, I started fish farming through learning. When I got the necessary techniques in it, I rented a fish pond and later continued doing it in my farm.
Before I had my own fish farm, I went to people at Animal Care. They surveyed the land , checked the texture of the land and they later suggested required facilities and precautions before concluding that the land was good for fish breeding.
I began with N200,000. I bought pieces of fish with N70.000.00 and feed, treatment materials and other things for N130.000.
Laundry and fish farming are two different businesses. How have you been managing them?
I put more efforts in fish breeding than laundry because I employed two workers at the laundry and I pay them. I really work on the people helping me to make sure that they handle customers’ clothes with care because there should be no stain, squeeze, or burn anywhere on the clothes.
I am gaining more customers because of the way I do my job. So I have to let the good work continue by hiring competent persons to complement my perfect services.
I taught the staff how to wash, starch, iron, fold clothes because all these things are carefully done.
I also monitor them.
How will you describe the businesses?
I thank God for everything. It is really impressive as I am recording progress and making profit.
In a day, I normally realise N5000 or N7000 per
person. When I settle the workers and deduct money for detergents, then the remaining balance is for me.
For fish farming, we sell a kilo of fish for N600. I usually calculate everything so as not to stop along the line or lose profit. Today, the business is impressive and lucrative.
Does that mean you do not encounter challenges?
The obstacles are commitment, dedication and funding. For fish farming, when the fishes are very small, we do face lots of challenges. Maybe you buy 3000 pieces but at the end, you only have 2500. That is why commitment is necessary because if care is not taken, out of the said total number, you may be left with just 1500, which as they may a result of inadequate care.
Fishes at finger lings need commitments in terms of feeding and treatment from time to time for them to grow well and make profits.
As a student, what is your next target in future?
I look forward to investing in rental business. I want to further my education. Since I completed my OND in 2014, I have been seeking admission to further my education so as to have a degree, but up till now, I have not gained admission it. I want to become a computer scientist. I am blessed with the knowledge. Isolve several problems concerning electronic appliances.
What is your message to Nigerians and youths in particular?
As we are in recession now, going back to the farm is the key to diversifying Nigerian economy.
Instead of us to be producing our own foods, we are importing them, even when we have arable land and farmers. I urge the government to help in terms of providing funds to the farmers so that they can produce more and as well generate enough cultivation.
My advice to the youths is that no matter what, they should be doing something and eschew laziness. The youths should channel their talents positively.
SIKIRAT SHEHU